Wasps preparations for new season reportedly thrown into disarray

Wasps preparations for the new Gallagher Premiership season appear to have been dealt a blow with new forwards coach Danny Wilson reportedly ready to turn his back on a move to the club to take up a role with the Scottish Rugby Union instead.

Wilson, who has agreed a two-year deal with Wasps, has been reportedly approached by the SRU to join up Gregor Townsend’s backroom team.

Scotland are on the hunt for a replacement for Dan McFarland, who has left to take over as head coach at Ulster.

Wilson spent three years at Cardiff Blues and his stock rose dramatically following an impressive finish to the season by the Cardiff Blues which saw them clinch the European Rugby Challenge Cup last month in Bilbao.

Wilson’s move to Wasps was announced back in December with Wasps Director of Rugby Dai Young saying at the time “While I have only worked with Danny for a limited time when he was part of the Academy set-up at Cardiff Blues, I know he has gone on to forge a very strong reputation as a quality coach who is highly regarded within the game, having made a big impact with the teams he’s worked with.

Wilson meanwhile had spoken enthusiastically about working alongside Young.

“The opportunity to work with Dai was one of the big attractions of moving to Wasps. He is a very experienced director of rugby and I could see the quality of his coaching during his time at Cardiff Blues. His record with Wasps goes before him, having taken the squad from 11th place to the Premiership Final during his time at the club.

“I’m looking forward to learning from him as a coach next season and to being part of the infrastructure Wasps are creating. The ambition of the club is clear to see. They have a talented group of players who play a really exciting style of rugby that attracts big crowds. It will be exciting to be part of.”

But it appears the opportunity to work at international level and a World Cup on the horizon, has prompted a change of heart by Wilson.